When I look at the photo of the 13-acre swath of brown, I envision a hillside teeming with native plants and oak trees. I imagine a home and breeding ground for birds, bees, butterflies and other creatures. I see a unique opportunity to educate people on the Westside about how beautiful our natural California landscape is.

Almonds by themselves use about 10% of California's developed water supply. Chopping down the almond orchards would save more water than forcing 97% of Californians to chop their water use by 50%.

Ironically, even today farmers are planting new almond trees in the San Joaquin Valley.

By forsaking Econ 101 pricing logic and common sense by using non-price mechanisms for rationing water, we will get nonsense outcomes that destroy businesses and jobs. As the economy shuts down so agriculture — which uses 80% of California's developed water supply and is responsible for less than 3% of the economy — can keep going, modern-day Joad families will emigrate from California until we reach a new equilibrium with a much smaller economy and fewer people.

At least the freeways will become less congested.

Joel W. Hay, Calabasas

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To the editor: Avalon City Councilwoman Cinde MacGugan-Cassidy fears that residents may have to limit themselves to three-minute showers. Her concern is misplaced: As anyone with a stopwatch can confirm, three minutes is more than enough time to do the job.

Californians had better get used to the idea that a 10-minute shower is an extravagance we can no longer afford.